Student and Parent Handbook (PDF)

Student and Parent Handbook
2014 – 2015
School
Welcome to South Shore Ballet Theatre. Our mission is to provide students and their
families on the South Shore with the opportunity to develop an appreciation for ballet,
both the classical ballets that have been enjoyed for generations and the works of more
contemporary choreographers. We teach ballet and related dance forms to ensure a
broad understanding of the discipline. We encourage students to perform on a regular
basis in order to develop appropriate skills, while sharing their work with the local
community. We maintain an open door policy to all those in the community who enjoy
ballet and who wish to come dance with us.
Community
South Shore Ballet Theatre endeavors to partner with the community in which we are
based. This includes working with local schools and arts-related organizations to give
children of all backgrounds the chance to enjoy ballet through one day presentations
and performances. We demonstrate our strong commitment to the community by
including all that are associated with our organization – artists, staff, parents, and
students – in the outreach process.
American Ballet Theatre
South Shore Ballet Theatre is proud to include the
AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE® National Training
Curriculum, a breakthrough 8 level program that combines
high quality artistic training with the basics of dancer health and child development. The
ABT® National Training Curriculum consists of a comprehensive set of age-appropriate,
outcome-based guidelines to provide the highest quality training to dance students of all
ages and skill levels.
South Shore Ballet Theatre Is proud to include ABT® Affiliate Teacher, Marthavan
McKeon, who is certified in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum.
An ABT® Affiliate Teacher is a level of distinction for ABT® Certified Teachers that have
successfully presented their students for examinations. Primary through Level 5 is
taught by ABT® Affiliate Teacher, Marthavan McKeon, who has successfully completed
the ABT Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National
Training Curriculum.
2014 – 2015 South Shore Ballet Theatre Calendar
36 week school year
S
7
14
21
28
September
M T W T F S
H 2 F 4 5 O
Y 9 10 11 12 A
15 16 17 18 19 20
22 23 24 25 26 27
29 30
December
S M T W T F S
Y 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 N
N 15 16 17 18 19 20
V V V V H V V
V V V V
March
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 Y 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
June
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 L 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 G
G 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30
October
S M T W T F
1 2 3
5 6 7 8 9 10
12 H 14 15 16 17
19 20 21 22 23 24
26 27 28 29 30 31
S
M
V 5
11 12
18 H
25 26
S
4
11
18
25
January
T W T F S
H V V
6 7 8 9 10
13 14 15 16 17
20 21 22 23 24
27 28 29 30 31
April
S M T W T F
1 2 3
5 6 7 8 9 10
12 P P P P P
19 H V V V V
26 27 28 29 30
S
4
11
18
V
Key:
H – Holiday, no classes
F – First Day of Classes (Fall 2014)
O – Open House
N – Nutcracker
A – Auditons
V – Vacaton
P – Peek Week
G - Gala
L – Last Day of classes
November
S M T W T F S
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 H 12 13 14 15
16 P P P P P 22
23 24 25 V H V V
V
S M
1 2
8 9
15 H
22 23
February
T W T F S
3 4 5 6 7
10 11 12 13 14
V V V V V
24 25 26 27 A
May
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 V V
H 26 27 28 29 30 31
Y – Young Dancers Program
School Uniforms
Level
Color
Socks/tights
Shoes
Creative Movement
1&2
Pink cap sleeve leotard with
attached skirt
White, thin ankle
socks
Pink ballet shoes
(leather)
Pre-Ballet A & B
Yellow cap sleeve leotard
with attached skirt
White, thin ankle
socks
Pink ballet shoes
(leather)
Level 1 & 1i
ABT leotard and skirt in Aqua
Pink tights
Pink ballet shoes
(Bloch split sole
leather or Russian
Pointe canvas)
Level 2 & 2i
ABT leotard and skirt in Lilac
Pink tights
Pink ballet shoes
(Bloch split sole
leather or Russian
Pointe canvas)
Level 3 & 3i
ABT leotard and skirt in
China Blue
Pink tights
Pink ballet
shoes(Bloch split sole
leather or Russian
Pointe canvas)
Level 4 & 4i
ABT leotard in cap sleeve
with optional camisole and
skirt in Sapphire
Pink tights
Pink ballet shoes
(Bloch split sole
leather or Russian
Pointe canvas)
Level 5 & 5i
ABT leotard in cap sleeve
with optional camisole and
skirt in Violet
Pink tights
Pink ballet shoes
(Russian Pointe
canvas)
Level 6i
ABT leotard in cap sleeve
with optional camisole and
skirt in Black
Pink tights
Level 7i
ABT leotard in camisole and
cap sleeve with skirt in Black
Pink tights
Jazz
Class leotard
Black convertible
tights
Jazz shoes
Modern
Class leotard
Black stirrup tights
Barefoot
Pointe shoes
Pink ballet shoes
(Russian Pointe
canvas)
Pointe shoes
Pink ballet shoes
Pointe shoes
South Shore Ballet Theatre Programs
Young Dancers Program, ages 3 – 6
The Young Dancers Program, ages 3 - 6, is designed to develop coordination, musical and
spatial awareness, and listening skills. Musical instruments help engage the students and
enhance natural creativity. YDP classes are offered during the week and on Saturdays. YDP
helps students develop a love of ballet that will stay with them throughout their life.
• Creative Movement 1: Age 3 - 4
• Creative Movement 2: Age 4 - 5
• Pre-Ballet A: Age 5 - 6
• Pre-Ballet B: Age 6 - 7
Classical Ballet Program, Levels 1 - 5
The Classical Ballet Program, for ages 7 - 18, consists of Levels 1 through 5 and is
composed of a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide strong classical ballet technique.
Students are also able to take enrichments classes in character, jazz and modern and will also
have the opportunity to participate in our Performing Groups.
Intensive Ballet Division, Level 1i – 7i
The Intensive Ballet Division, for ages 8 – 18, is by invitation only and is specifically designed
for those students with the drive to progress quickly. The much anticipated pointe work is
introduced at Level 4i and continues through Level 7i. Beyond the core curriculum, students are
able to enhance their studies with variations, jazz, and modern.
South Shore Ballet Theatre is proud to include the AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE® National
Training Curriculum, a breakthrough 8 level program that combines high quality artistic training
with the basics of dancer health and child development. The ABT® National Training Curriculum
consists of a comprehensive set of age-appropriate, outcome-based guidelines to provide the
highest quality training to dance students of all ages and skill levels.
Adult Program
At South Shore Ballet Theatre, we believe that you should never stop dancing! We are very
happy to provide the south shore community with our Adult Ballet Program - on-going classes
for adults at beginning and intermediate levels. Classes are available during the week and on
Saturdays. You may pay by the class or purchase a class card. Whether you've danced for
years, or just want to put your foot in the water - there is a class for you!
Enrollment of New Students
Enrollment at South Shore Ballet Theatre is on-going, provided that space is available. Parents
or students interested in signing up for classes should contact the school to request registration
and class availability information.
Students ages eight and older with previous ballet training are required to take a placement
class to determine the level of study best suited to their abilities. Group placement classes are
typically held at the beginning of each school year for fall placement. However, we are happy to
have new students anytime and will work with new families to schedule placement classes.
Once a recommendation is made, the registration process is completed by filling out a student
registration form and making the required tuition payment.
Enrollment of Returning Students
Returning South Shore Ballet Theatre students receive the appropriate registration packet,
along with their year-end evaluation which includes their class placement in late June. Returning
students will receive priority placement if their Registration Form is returned to the school by the
deadline noted in the registration packet and their South Shore Ballet Theatre tuition account is
in good standing. Returning South Shore Ballet Theatre students who do not meet the priority
deadline will be processed with new students on a first-come, first- served basis. Enrollment of
any student is subject to the artistic and administration discretion of the faculty and staff.
Placement and Promotion
Advancement through South Shore Ballet Theatre is based on a variety of factors including a
student’s strength, commitment, mastery of material, maturity, attendance record and artistic
development as assessed by her or his teacher(s) and Artistic Director. In all cases, a student’s
ability to safely execute the required class material is considered above all other factors,
including age.
Students in the Intensive Division receive a mid-year and end of year evaluation. Students in the
Classical Ballet Program receive an end-of-year evaluation. These evaluations address overall
progress, effort, attitude, and recommend improvements in relevant areas. Student placement is
noted on the written year-end evaluation and discussed with each student at the end of the year.
A hard copy of the evaluation is mailed home at the end of June.
Conferences between the parent and teacher or Artistic Director are encouraged whenever
there is a question or concern about a student’s progress. Please contact the Artistic Director
(via email preferably) to schedule a conference.
Repeating Levels of Study
Please do not be concerned if your child stays in his or her current level for two or more years.
Unlike academic schools, South Shore Ballet Theatre has a 7 level system based on the
American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum, with each level designed to take 2
years to complete. Our primary concern is that a student be placed in a level and program that
is appropriate to his or her skill level and physical strength. Because students grow and develop
at different rates, advancement to the next level will be different for each child. Please therefore
do not assume that “something is wrong” if your child remains in his or her current level for more
than one year.
Going on Pointe
Girls typically begin pointe work in Level 4i. Pointe work is not offered in the Classical Ballet
Program without the approval of the Artistic Director. Regardless of level, however, students will
only be able to go on pointe if they are able to do so safely, without risking injury to their growing
bones and joints. To ensure this safety, South Shore Ballet Theatre faculty assess a number of
factors including adequate flexibility of the foot to allow the student to align the bones of the foot
with the tibia, adequate strength of the foot, ankle, leg and torso to sustain the required pull-up,
adequate turnout and strength of the turnout muscles to sustain proper alignment, and general
physical maturity that suggests the development of the bones and joints are stable.
These factors are normally attained with a minimum of three years of disciplined ballet training
and not before the age of 10. A young dancer who successfully meets all of these requirements
will minimize the likelihood of injury, will progress more rapidly, and will find the work less
difficult. Recommendations for pointe work are made conservatively because a student’s longterm health and well being are always our top priority.
Cancelled Classes
South Shore Ballet Theatre reserves the right to cancel any class during the year due to
insufficient enrollment.
Due to the weather conditions normally found in the northeast, snow days will occur and will be
announced in accordance with Hanover Public School System’s snow day policy. All information
on cancelled classed can be found on our website calendar, which is updated daily as well as by
recorded message on the school phone.
South Shore Ballet Theatre does not give credit and/or refunds for class(es) missed due to
holiday, vacation, illness, weather, etc.
Tuition Payment Policy and Schedule:
All families must create an account through our online system and leave a credit card on file at
all times.
Tuition may be paid in full, or in 2, 4 or 9 installments. Payments are due by the 1st of the
month. There are no fees incurred regardless of the payment option chosen. By signing the
registration form, you understand and agree to pay your child’s tuition for the entire
school year (September 2014-June 2015) and understand the policies listed below with
regards to payment, early withdrawal and refunds. There is a late payment fee of $5 and a
returned check fee of $25.
Payment options:
Option 1:
9 Monthly Payments (Sept – May)
Due on the 1st of each month (This is the default payment option, to enter in
options 2-4, please do so through your online account or through administration
personnel.)
Option 2:
Payment in Full September 1st, 2014
Option 3:
2 payments due September 1st, 2014 and January 27th, 2015
Option 4:
4 Payments due September 1st, November 1st, February 1st and
April 1st
Young Dancers Program: Pay in full at the beginning of each session
Fall 9/8/14, Winter 12/1/14, Spring 3/8/15
Refunds and Early Withdrawal:
All requests for early withdrawal must be submitted to South Shore Ballet Theatre in writing. You
are an “active student” until written withdrawal letter has been received. At South Shore Ballet
Theatre, we make a commitment to your child in the same way that you make a commitment to
the school. There is therefore a non-negotiable fee of $500 applicable to any student who
chooses to withdraw from South Shore Ballet Theatre after the beginning of the school year for
non-medical reasons. The fee is due at the time of withdrawal. As noted below, if financial
difficulties arise, we will work with you to find a payment plan for you and your family.
This fee is waived in the case of a serious illness or injury documented by a doctor’s
explanation. Tuition refunds take approximately six to eight weeks to be processed.
Late Payments and Returned Checks
A $5 fee will be charged for all late payments. If tuition payments fall beyond 30 days past due,
your child will be temporarily withdrawn from South Shore Ballet Theatre and it may jeopardize
future enrollment. Those with outstanding balances will be prohibited from participation in any
South Shore Ballet Theatre program or production. If financial difficulties arise, please contact
the school immediately. We will work with you to find a payment plan for you and your
family.
A $25 fee will be charged for all checks returned to our office for insufficient funds. Replacement
funds must be a credit card, certified bank check, money order, or cash.
Registration Details:
Registration begins June 1st. There is a non-refundable $300 deposit for Levels 1- 7 (applied
to annual tuition) to ensure your child’s enrollment for next year. All tuition may be paid by
cash, check or charge (MasterCard, Visa or Discover only).
Early registrations:
Registrations received by June 22nd will receive $50 off annual tuition, to be applied to the first
tuition installment. .
Referral Policy:
If you refer a student to South Shore Ballet Theatre AND they register for classes (space
permitting), you will receive an additional $25 off tuition (limit 3 per school year). The referral
discount does not apply to siblings, but we do offer a separate sibling discount. Please contact
the Artistic Director for details.
Attendance and Absences
Students are expected to attend all of their classes. If a student is unable to attend a class, the
parent must notify the school before the scheduled class.
If a student is absent for over two weeks for medical reasons, the school must be notified by the
parent, and a related note from the doctor is required for the student’s file. Absences may put a
student at risk for injury, impede his/her progress, and negatively impact rehearsals. For those
reasons, absences may jeopardize a student’s participation and role in South Shore Ballet
Theatre productions, as well as his or her promotion to the next level of training.
Make Up Classes
Students are not required to make up missed classes but are strongly encouraged to do so.
Classes which fall during school vacation or holidays may not be made up as these occurrences
have already been adjusted into the tuition. Make up classes must be scheduled in advance,
either through your online account or through administration personnel. Make up classes
should be scheduled for the same level or one level below. Choosing a level above the students’
current level for a make-up class is not allowed.
Arrival, Tardiness, and Pick Up
Students are expected to check in ten minutes prior to class time. Check in is available up to
one hour prior to class and up to 10 minutes after class has begun. Students arriving ten
minutes after their class has begun will not be permitted to take the class, but should observe.
Students taking additional classes during the same day are expected to return to the desk to
check in for their 2nd and/or 3rd class before the class begins. Students should be picked up at
the end of their class. If you will be late for any reason, please call the school to alert the
administrator of your expected time of arrival. There is a $15 fee for pickups that occur more
than 15 minutes past the completion of class.
Dress Code
South Shore Ballet Theatre students must adhere to the dress code listed in this handbook. The
required items can be purchased at South Shore Ballet Theatre, as well as at most dancewear
stores. Dance clothes alone should not be worn outside the building. Outerwear should be worn
when entering and exiting the buildings.
All students are expected to maintain a neat appearance and to abide by their specified dress
code. All dancewear should be cleaned frequently, an extra pair of socks or tights should be
carried in dance bags, and all outerwear must be removed prior to the beginning of class. Long
hair must be worn in a bun and short hair must be pulled back off the face. For the safety of the
students, only simple stud jewelry is permitted. Leg warmers or other warm-up gear are not
permitted in class.
Volunteer Association and Parent Involvement
South Shore Ballet Theatre encourages the parents of all students to be involved with special
events, outreach programs, lecture series, and performances. We simply could not do all that
we do for the students without the help of the parents. Please try to be involved in at least one
performance or event. For additional information and to volunteer, please contact us through
[email protected]
Classroom and Building Etiquette
Students are encouraged to attend to their personal needs prior to class in the dressing room.
Please show respect for the teacher by not talking during class and acknowledging correction
with a polite response.
Chewing gum, food, and drinks are not allowed in the studio. Food and drinks are permitted in
the lounge areas only. Please be courteous and pick up when you have finished eating. All
shoes are to be left at the front door.
Medical Concerns and Emergencies
Please make sure that the faculty are aware of any medical concerns or conditions you child
might have. If changes should arise, we ask that you notify the school in writing so that all
records are accurate. Should an emergency arise, all attempts will be made to reach a student’s
parents first. If a parent/guardian is not reached, the emergency contact provided on the
registration form will be called.
Lost and Found
Please mark your child’s full name on every piece of ballet attire and any other personal
belongings which your child may bring to the studio. Do NOT bring valuables to the studio.
South Shore Ballet Theatre cannot be held responsible for any personal items left in any of its
facilities. There is a lost and found table located in the back of the school where retrieved items
will be placed. At the end of every month, items in the lost and found will be donated to charity.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
If you have questions or concerns regarding any aspect of your child’s course of study at South
Shore Ballet Theatre, please schedule a conference with the teacher or artistic director.
Requests can be made via email, phone, or in person.
Performance Opportunities
The ultimate goal of many South Shore Ballet Theatre students is to perform on stage. Each
student in the Classical Ballet Program has an opportunity to join one or both performing groups
(additional fee required). We provide this opportunity to students each year for those in levels 17:
Winter Performing Group: We produce a full version of “The Nutcracker”, performed at
Derby Academy in Hingham. The Performing Group is an elective enrichment program
offered on Saturdays. The students have an opportunity to participate in the production
based on their level of dancing.
Spring Performing Group: Each spring, we perform a storybook ballet. The same
requirements noted above apply. The Spring Performing Group is an elective enrichment
program offered on Saturdays. In prior years, South Shore Ballet Theatre students have
performed “Coppelia”, “Cinderella”, “Alice in Wonderland”, “Gaîté Parisienne” “Les
Sylphides” and “Carnival of the Animals”.
The Gala: At South Shore Ballet Theatre, we believe that all students should have at
least one opportunity to perform. At the end of each school year, ALL students in the
school will perform at “The Gala”. There is no fee or extra rehearsals for The Gala
performance. Students wear their school uniform and will not only perform a ballet for
their level of dancing, but any electives will also be highlighted. The finale is a traditional
defilé found in all professional ballet schools.
Anti-Bullying Policy
Honorable Behavior
Life at South Shore Ballet Theatre is based on honesty, responsibility, and respect for oneself
and others. Our rules and policies are designed to support these principles and to provide a
safe, friendly place for students to learn, play, and grow as individuals and as members of the
community.
Discipline
By joining the South Shore Ballet Theatre community, each student agrees to abide by the rules
and principles articulated in this handbook and by such additional rules and regulations as may
be established by South Shore Ballet Theatre from time to time. While these rules and principles
represent good-faith efforts to clearly state school policies, do note that in all disciplinary
matters, South Shore Ballet Theatre reserves the right, at its own discretion and in its best
judgment, to vary from these procedures or to impose such penalties as it deems appropriate.
Only in matters related to dismissal or expulsion may decisions be appealed to the Artistic
Director.
Every student enrolled at South Shore Ballet Theatre represents not only himself or herself and
his or her family, but also South Shore Ballet Theatre by his or her conduct, on or off site, and
whether South Shore Ballet Theatre is in session or not. South Shore Ballet Theatre has the
right at any time to impose disciplinary sanctions, including dismissal or expulsion, on any
student if his or her actions, on or off site, violate reasonable expectations of conduct, or in any
way damage or impugn the reputation of South Shore Ballet Theatre, its faculty, or its student
body. Such actions may include, but are not limited to: harassment or bullying, illegal use of
drugs and alcohol, shoplifting, vandalism, disruptive and inappropriate behavior while on site, or
while visiting another school or institution. If a student is the subject of criminal proceedings
(whether by way of arrest, the application for a criminal complaint, or otherwise), South Shore
Ballet Theatre may suspend the student pending the outcome of those proceedings. However,
South Shore Ballet Theatre is in no way bound by either the pending nature or the outcome of
any criminal proceedings against a student. When warranted, South Shore Ballet Theatre may
elect to pursue its own disciplinary proceedings and make its own determinations at any time –
before criminal proceedings formally begin, while those proceedings are ongoing, or after those
proceedings have concluded.
Harassment & Anti-Bullying Policies
South Shore Ballet Theatre is committed to maintaining an atmosphere in which all members of
our community are treated with respect and dignity. Bullying undermines these objectives and
will not be tolerated. In addition, in certain circumstances, perpetrators of such behavior could
find themselves subjected to criminal proceedings (see below).
Bullying can include, but is not limited to remarks, rumors, threats, gestures, physical contact,
the display or transmission of images, written, verbal or electronic statements or other acts that
are unwelcome or demeaning with respect to appearance, gender, race, religion, ethnic origin,
sexual orientation, disability, or other characteristics. Students whose statements or actions, on
or off site, constitute disrespect, mockery, intimidation, harassment, or bullying (including cyberbullying) will be subject to disciplinary action. Additional legal definitions and consequences can
be found on the next page.
Bullying
Massachusetts Anti-Bullying Law (signed May 3, 2010) defines bullying as:
“the repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal, or electronic expression or a
physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at a victim that: (i) causes physical
or emotional harm to the victim or damage to the victim’s property; (ii) places the victim in
reasonable fear of harm to himself or of damage to his property; (iii) creates a hostile
environment[*] at school for the victim; (iv) infringes on the rights of the victim at school; or (v)
materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.”
Cyber-bullying is defined by the same statute as:
“bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, which shall include,
but shall not be limited to, any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data or
intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photo
electronic or photo optical system, including, but not limited to, electronic mail, internet
communications, instant messages or facsimile communications. Cyber-bullying shall also
include (i) the creation of a web page or blog in which the creator assumes the identity of
another person or (ii) the knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted
content or messages, if the creation or impersonation creates any of the conditions enumerated
in clauses (i) to (v), inclusive, of the definition of bullying. Cyber-bullying shall also include the
distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of
material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons, if the
distribution or posting creates any of the conditions enumerated in clauses (i) to (v), inclusive, of
the definition of bullying.”
*A hostile environment, exists when conduct is sufficiently severe or pervasive that it materially
interferes with a student’s educational experience.
In addition, the law also prohibits retaliation against any person who reports bullying, who
provides information during an investigation of bullying, or who witnesses or has reliable
information pertaining to bullying.
Reporting Bullying or Retaliation
Any student who feels he or she or any other student has been the subject of bullying or
retaliation should immediately report the matter to the Artistic Director. Student reports of
bullying may be made anonymously, although no disciplinary action will be taken against a
student solely on the basis of an anonymous report. Any faculty or staff member of our school
community who has witnessed or otherwise “become aware of” any bullying or retaliation also
must, by law, report it to the Artistic Director.
School Response to Allegations of Bullying or Retaliation
Once any allegation of bullying or retaliation is received, a prompt investigation of the charge
will be conducted by the Artistic Director.
If the Artistic Director determines that bullying or retaliation has occurred, he shall (i) notify the
local law enforcement agency if he believes that criminal charges may be pursued against a
perpetrator; (ii) take appropriate disciplinary action;** (iii) notify the parents or guardians of a
perpetrator; (iv) notify the parents or guardians of the victim, and to the extent consistent with
state and federal law, notify them of the action taken to prevent any further acts of bullying or
retaliation, and (v) assess the victim’s need for protection and take appropriate steps as
necessary to restore a sense of safety for the victim.
**The disciplinary actions that may be taken against a perpetrator of bullying or retaliation
include the full range of disciplinary sanctions for other forms of student misconduct, up to and
including dismissal from the school. In taking disciplinary action, South Shore Ballet Theatre will
strive to balance the need for accountability with the need to teach appropriate behavior. No
disciplinary action will be taken against a student solely on the basis of an anonymous report.
If the Artistic Director determines that a student has knowingly made a false accusation of
bullying or retaliation, the Artistic Director will take appropriate disciplinary action.
Sexual Harassment
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has published The Comprehensive School
Health Manual with school guidelines regarding sexual harassment.
Students are protected from sexual harassment under the provisions of Title IX.
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that schools are required to protect their students from
sexual harassment.

By law, the victim defines sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment in schools is any unwanted or unwelcome sexual attention by
students, faculty, or staff, including sexual suggestions or threats, sexual jokes,
spreading sexual rumors, comments regarding body parts or sexual orientation, staring
or pointing at body parts, obscene gestures, display of obscene materials or remarks,
grabbing, touching, or intentional physical contact, pulling or touching a person’s
clothing, impeding a person’s movements, and any implicit or explicit pressure for sexual
activity.

Any form of retaliation against any person who has made a complaint relating to sexual
harassment is forbidden.

Those involved with sexual harassment investigations must protect the confidentiality of
all information relating to the case.
Any student who feels that he or she has been the subject of harassment by anyone in our
school community must immediately report the facts of such harassment to the Artistic Director.
In order to facilitate a thorough investigation, this report must be in writing, and should detail
specific circumstances related to any harassment (date, place, name, description of what
transpired). Once any allegation of harassment is received, a prompt investigation of the charge
will be conducted. Any charge determined by the investigation to be valid will result in
disciplinary action. Disciplinary action may be taken on the basis of any conduct, on or off site,
which poses a threat to persons or property within the school community.
Hazing
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires schools to advise all students of An Act
Prohibiting the Practice of Hazing (1985). Section 17 of Chapter 269 of the Massachusetts
General Laws defines hazing as:
“Any conduct or method of initiation into a student organization, whether on public or private
property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or
other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics,
exposure to the weather, forced consumption of food, liquor, beverage, drug, or other
substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely
affect the physical health or safety of any student or other person, or which subjects such
student or other person to extreme mental stress, including deprivation of sleep or rest or
extended isolation.”
Violators are subject to fines and/or imprisonment. Any student who feels that he or she has
been the subject of hazing by anyone in our school community must immediately report the
facts of such hazing to the Artistic Director.
MASSACHUSETTS ANTI-HAZING LAW, M.G.L. c. 269, §§ 17-19
Section 17. Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined
herein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment
in a house of correction for not more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment.
The term “hazing” as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall mean any
conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private
property, which wilfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or
other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics,
exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other
substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely
affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such
student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest
or extended isolation.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall not be
available as a defense to any prosecution under this action.
Section 18. Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section
seventeen and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so
without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement
official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such crime shall be punished
by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.
Section 19. Each institution of secondary education and each public and private institution of
post secondary education shall issue to every student group, student team or student
organization which is part of such institution or is recognized by the institution or permitted by
the institution to use its name or facilities or is known by the institution to exist as an unaffiliated
student group, student team or student organization, a copy of this section and sections
seventeen and eighteen; provided, however, that an institution’s compliance with this section’s
requirements that an institution issue copies of this section and sections seventeen and
eighteen to unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations shall not constitute evidence of
the institution’s recognition or endorsement of said unaffiliated student groups, teams or
organizations.
Each such group, team or organization shall distribute a copy of this section and sections
seventeen and eighteen to each of its members, plebes, pledges or applicants for membership.
It shall be the duty of each such group, team or organization, acting through its designated
officer, to deliver annually, to the institution an attested acknowledgement stating that such
group, team or organization has received a copy of this section and said sections seventeen
and eighteen, that each of its members, plebes, pledges, or applicants has received a copy of
sections seventeen and eighteen, and that such group, team or organization understands and
agrees to comply with the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.
Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post secondary
education shall, at least annually, before or at the start of enrollment, deliver to each person who
enrolls as a full time student in such institution a copy of this section and sections seventeen
and eighteen.
Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post secondary
education shall file, at least annually, a report with the board of higher education and in the case
of secondary institutions, the board of education, certifying that such institution has complied
with its responsibility to inform student groups, teams or organizations and to notify each full
time student enrolled by it of the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen
and also certifying that said institution has adopted a disciplinary policy with regard to the
organizers and participants of hazing, and that such policy has been set forth with appropriate
emphasis in the student handbook or similar means of communicating the institution’s policies
to its students. The board of higher education and, in the case of secondary institutions, the
board of education shall promulgate regulations governing the content and frequency of such
reports, and shall forthwith report to the attorney general any such institution which fails to make
such report.

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